Gertie’s tenure at Jabulani ‘comes of age’
Gertie is also a member of SAARP for 21 years.
Wednesday, 30 April marked 21 years since Jabulani’s longest-standing resident moved into the home for the aged.
Gertie Human, who turns 87 in December and is also the home’s oldest resident, has lived in the same flat on the sixth floor since 1993.
“I was 65-years-old when I moved in,” she said. “I’ve seen a lot of changes, but for the good.
I mind my own business. I have a few friends at Jabulani and I have said goodbye to many over the years, whether they have moved on or passed on. It’s always sad saying goodbye, but you can’t hang on to friends. We must just live in peace with each other. Always be nice to people, even if they aren’t nice to you.”
Gertie was born in Johannesburg in 1927 and lived in Mtwalume on the Lower South Coast until moving to Jabulani.
She enjoys gardening and puzzles and has a full social life, which includes a care and share morning at Old Apostolic Church once a week and she is a member of the local bingo club and South African Association of Retired Persons (SAARP). “I’ve been a member of SAARP for 21 years, ever since I moved into Jabulani,” said Gertie.
“I’m very happy here, as long as people leave me alone.”
